Categories: This Day

December 11, 1894 – The first auto show

[Collection Jules Beau. Photographie sportive] : T. 7. Année 1898 / Jules Beau : F. 14. [Exposition de l’Automobile Club de France, Tuileries, 15 juin 1898];

Four automakers gathered to display their vehicles in Paris, France on this day in 1894 for the Internationale de Velocipidie et de Locomotion Automobile, marking the world’s first auto show. The event would be renamed in 1898 to Salon de l’Automobile de Paris, which was organized by French automotive pioneer Albert de Dion. The event exist today as the Mondial de l’Automobile, often referred to as the Paris Motor Show. 


Poster for 1895 Exposition de Locomotion Automobile Paris (second year). Top Cover image: The 1898 Salon de l’Automobile de Paris

The biennial event has since become one of the most important industry auto shows, often playing host to more than one million visitors checking out the latest lineups, new models and concept cars from automakers all over the world.

Automobiles arrived to the first auto shows on trailers pulled by horses.


Brian Corey

Recent Posts

January 6, 1925 – John DeLorean’s birtheday

Promo shot of DeLorean with his DMC12 in 1977. By Jerry Williamson American automotive engineer…

2 weeks ago

January 5, 1798 – Steam vehicle pioneer James Semple is born

An illustration of Semple's steam car as it appeared in Scientific American While better known…

2 weeks ago

January 4, 1967 – Donald Campbell dies during water speed record attempt

Lake Coniston, Cumberland, UK. Jan 4, 1967. Donald Campbell dies as his jet-powered boat somersaults…

2 weeks ago

January 3, 1914 – Automotive entrepreneur Earl “Madman” Muntz is born

Earl Muntz In the illustrious realm of automotive design, few figures stand out as boldly…

3 weeks ago

January 2, 1975 – Top Gear America host Dax Shepard is born

Dax Shepard with his Lincoln Continental (Instagram) Dax Shepard, born on January 2, 1975, isn't…

3 weeks ago

January 1, 1942 – Ending civilian auto production for WWII

Blackout 1942 Chevrolet (note the painted grille) An order from the US Office of Production…

3 weeks ago